Hojlund explains his celebration dance against West Ham

Striker Rasmus Hojlund opened the scoring and celebrated his goal with an impromptu dance in the 3-0 win over West Ham in round 23 of the Premier League.

In the 23rd minute, from Casemiro's interception, Hojlund feinted, transferred the ball to his right foot and then shot diagonally past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. After scoring, the Danish striker ran to the right corner of the field, raised his left foot, made guitar gestures and jumped impromptu.

After the match, Hojlund revealed that this celebration stemmed from a conversation with his friend in the summer. "He told me to celebrate a goal like that, but I didn't do it," the striker born in 2003 said. "When we met again in Denmark, he reminded me of it. It haunted me and I just thought I would try it."

Hojlund also revealed that he bought a guitar for Christmas, but has yet to use it. "I'm telling the truth," the Danish striker said. "But it remains to be seen whether I will start playing the guitar or not."

Striker Rasmus Hojlund celebrates after scoring the opening goal in Man Utd's 3-0 win over West Ham in the 23rd round of the Premier League at Old Trafford on February 4, 2024. Photo: AP

After being silent in his first 14 games, Hojlund has scored in the last four games against Aston Villa, Tottenham, Wolves and West Ham. His goal against West Ham also made Hojlund the second player to score on his 21st birthday in the Premier League, after Noel Whelan in December 1995.

"I don't want to stop yet," Hojlund stressed. "I want more, to keep scoring goals, to play well with my teammates, to develop, to reach a higher level and to keep winning. I'm enjoying everything."

Hojlund insists he has remained confident despite a difficult start and sees the most important thing as getting into the rhythm of the team. "You score a goal, a goal or two, get a little bit of momentum and start to link up with the players," he added. "I've been talking to my team-mates, the coaching staff because we need to help each other get better. I've also been working hard in training, looking at my game and what I can improve on. I think I've improved a lot since I've been here."

At Old Trafford on February 4, after Hojlund opened the scoring, Alejandro Garnacho scored twice in the second half to seal a 3-0 victory. Man Utd extended their unbeaten run in 2024 and climbed to sixth in the Premier League with 38 points, eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

On February 11, Man Utd is expected to face many difficulties when visiting Aston Villa in round 24.

Hong Duy

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